B.C., Sask. food banks trade local harvests, highlight distribution challenges

Think of it as a potluck — but, like, a potluck with diners 1,300 kilometres apart, packing about 40 tonnes of food on the table.

The Greater Vancouver Food Bank recently found itself with a big surplus of fresh produce grown by B.C. farmers.

At the same time, the Regina Food Bank found itself with a similar abundance of pulses and grains grown in Saskatchewan.

So, the two organizations took turns loading up a truck and delivering locally grown bounties to each other — about 20 tonnes in each direction — in what they say is a unique opportunity to diversify the offerings at Canadian food banks.

The truck, loaded with B.C. produce, arrives in Regina. (Submitted by Regina Food Bank)

"We know it is not a food shortage problem [in Canada], but it is a distribution problem and sometimes